Standard and Non-Standard English

Learning Goals:Learn the difference between Standard and Non-Standard EnglishCritically consider the value of slang and colloquial language Practice identifying non-standard English in own speech and writingMake informed decisions about word choices

So what IS the difference?Standard Canadian English: language used by educated people in public situations. Can be formal or informal. Colloquial Language: language used in everyday speech and informal writing. Include expressions that would not be appropriate in formal situations.i.e. wing it go for broke tearjerkerSlang: Non-standard language. Often goes in and out of fashion. Urban Dictionary defines slang as: "the only reason Urbandictionary.com exists" and "slang is the continual and ever-changing use and definition of words in informal conversation, often using references as a means of comparison or showing likeness. some modern slang has endured over the decades since its inception (i.e. cool) and some will only last a few years before being rendered obsolete or outdated (i.e. bling bling). slang can be born from any number of situations or ideas (the word slang itself has come to represent selling, especially of illegal drugs), and can be blunt or riddled with metaphor, and often quite profound.

the use of slang is frequently ridiculed by culturally-ignorant people who feel it is the product of insufficient education and believe it to be counter-evolutionary; of course, they couldn't be farther from the truth. Human language has been in a state of constant reinvention for centuries, and slang has been used and created by poets and writers of all sorts (William Shakespeare has been credited for the upbringing of at least a couple of words). it is the right and responsibility of the modern human to keep re-evaluating language, to give dead words innovative contemporary meanings or to simply invent new ones, in order to be more appealing and representative to the speaker/listener (which was essentially the basis behind language anyway, to understandably communicate thoughts or ideas verbally)."Activity 1: Regional Slang and ColloquialismsNon-Standard English is often Regional - that is, particular to a specific place. Ever travelled to the East coast of Canada? You might have noticed that their use of English doesn't quite sound the same as central Canada. In fact, Newfounldand has a Dictionary of Newfoundland English that explains the vast number of words used among its inhabitants. Take a look: http://www.heritage.nf.ca/dictionary/d8ction.htmlTask: Find two other slang words or phrases that are particular to a English-speaking place (other than Newfoundland). You may already know some; if not, use the internet as resource. Share your slang words or phrase and their meanings with the class. Activity 2: Critical Inquiry Question - Should slang and colloquial language be used in formal writing situations (essays, cover letters, news reports, etc)?Task: Create a t-chart that considers both sides of this question (yes and no). From your chart, take a stand on this question - be ready to defend your position with the class using examples from your t-chart.Activity 3: My SlangDevelop a list of common slang words or expressions (minimum 10) used among your group of peers. Then, write a paragraph using all ten of the words. Swap your paragraph with a peer and re-write the paragraph using more standard English in place of the slang words and expressions. Sources: "Urban Dictionary, February 23: slang." Urban Dictionary, February 23: slang. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://www.urbandictionary.com/>. Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.